Letter to UGC Chairman on appointment of Principal in ARSD College, 5.11.2013

5 November 2013

Sub: Violation of UGC Regulations by University of Delhi in Advertisement for Post of Principal for ARSD College

Dear Sir,

While the current UGC Regulations (2010) vide Clause 5.1.6 (a) clearly stipulate the Composition of Selection Committee for appointments of Principals in colleges and limit the term post of Principals to 5 years, the University of Delhi has hastily advertised the post of Principal for ARSD without adhering to either of these two regulations. Further, on the basis of this advertisement (dated 15 August 2013), it seems determined to go through with the appointment by scheduling Interviews for the said post on 11 November 2013. The DUTA is concerned that this mockery of the UGC Regulations will result in a shameful discrepancy unless it is prevented from taking place.

While the Amendments to the UGC Regulations, post the consideration of recommendations made by the Revisit Committee were duly notified on 4 June 2013, the University failed to consider and adopt appropriate amendments to its Ordinance governing the nature of the Principal’s post, Eligibility and Selection Criteria, and Selection Committee and Procedure. Citing an ‘Interim Order’ issued by the Hon. High Court of Delhi (23 July 2013) the University had hurriedly advertised the post with the older criteria. Thereafter, the Vice Chancellor convened meetings of the University AC and EC on 16-17 August 2013 to exclusively consider and adopt amendments to Ordinances governing appointments and service conditions of teachers, in accordance with the UGC Regulations. No amendment to the Principal’s post, and Selection Committee was tabled before the two statutory bodies. Despite the fact that approximately 22 colleges of the University await appointments of regular Principals, the University has failed, till date, to amend the clauses of Ordinance XVIII which govern the Term-post and Selection Committee for the same. 

The term-post for Principals has been a long-standing demand of the teaching community. We are dismayed at the University’s callous and selective attitude towards UGC Regulations, despite the standing directive of the Visitor (2003) and the Hon. Supreme Court of India’s directive (1994) that UGC Regulations are mandatory and binding. The DUTA views the University’s attempt to install a Principal by using the older criteria and service conditions as a glaring instance of subversion of law and the undermining of the UGC’s authority. Hence, it urges you to intervene in your official capacity and ensure that the Interviews are put off till the Ordinance XVIII is suitably amended and the post re-advertised.